Urethra (Urethra)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The urethra is a dynamic tubular conduit extending from the internal urethral orifice at the bladder neck to the external urethral meatus. In males, it measures approximately 20 cm and serves both urinary and reproductive functions, traversing the pre-prostatic, prostatic, membranous, and spongy (penile) segments.
Clinical notes
The membranous urethra is vulnerable to shearing rupture in pelvic fractures with posterior urethral distraction, presenting with high-riding prostate and blood at the meatus (contraindicating blind catheterization).
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Urethra?
The urethra is a dynamic tubular conduit extending from the internal urethral orifice at the bladder neck to the external urethral meatus. In males, it measures approximately 20 cm and serves both urinary and reproductive functions, traversing the pre-prostatic, prostatic, membranous, and spongy (penile) segments.
Why is the Urethra clinically important?
The membranous urethra is vulnerable to shearing rupture in pelvic fractures with posterior urethral distraction, presenting with high-riding prostate and blood at the meatus (contraindicating blind catheterization).
Source & license
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